Gas Appliances Directive (GAD)

What is it?

The Gas Appliances Directive (GAD) 2009/142/EC is restricted to appliances using gaseous fuels for cooking, heating, hot water production, refrigeration, lighting and washing, i.e. it covers mainly common consumer and commercial products.

The GAD includes all the essential requirements that an appliance must meet in order to be placed on the EU market, leaving some flexibility to manufacturers regarding the technical solutions to be adopted to meet these requirements. Harmonised standards related to the GAD have been developed and, when used by manufacturers, provide presumption of conformity to the Directive. As it is the case for several other directives regulating the engineering sector, apart from satisfying safety requirements (design, construction and material use), products should undergo type-examination and some form of supervision during the production (via a notified body), carry the CE marking and be accompanied by instructions and warnings in the language of the country of destination.

A common application of the Directive in all the EU countries is promoted via the adoption of 'Guidance Sheets of interpretation of the Directive'. Although these guidance sheets are not legally binding, they represent a reference for all the economic operators on the market.

Why is it important?

It is important that these products should be able to circulate freely in the EU and are submitted to the same rules in order to avoid distortion of competition. It is also important that gas appliances continue to offer a high level of protection for workers and consumers.

Our viewpoint

Orgalime welcomes the Commission’s proposal of June 2014 for revision of the directive in order to align it with the New Legislative Framework (NLF). It is also an opportunity to clarify some concepts.

Orgalime is actively advocating on this proposal which is currently being discussed by both the European Parliament and the Council through the ordinary legislative procedure. They are mainly focusing on issues which have already been dealt with in other directives when aligning them with the NLF and also on the necessity to have fittings CE marked for gaseous burning fuels appliances.

How we’ve been engaged

Orgalime is a member of the Gas Appliances Directive Advisory Committee (GADAC) of the European Commission and has actively participated as a member of the ad hoc group in charge of preparing the revision of the Directive.

Orgalime’s GAD task force will continue its mission of defending the members’ interests in this field.